The Fourth of July holiday is days away…and I’m not gonna lie, I’m totally not ready! The rain this season, summer baseball, and home improvement projects have taken over my time…but I’m not the only one in this boat! So if you’re like me and feeling unprepared, I have a fun roundup of holiday cheer in store! I’ve gathered up some of my favorite Fourth of July party ideas, crafts and recipes from the past to share with you today! They’re easy, festive, and delicious I promise! I’m also sharing my last-minute “celebration” idea that is so simple you could whip it together in seconds! So, the clock is ticking…red, white & kaboom time is near!
Fourth of July holiday cheer is here!
this year we’ve been so busy i haven’t had a moment to plan holiday fun…but that doesn’t mean i can’t still serve up a patriotic treat or two!
a festive tray topped with red, white & blue deliciousness will be certain to please…and couldn’t be easier!
handheld “fireworks” are a fun addition! i just taped the sparklers to a card decorated with stickers. and you can’t have Fourth of July holiday fun without ’em in my opinion!
no time for decorations? try letting party supplies act as your decor! a simple glass jar makes a great napkin container for outdoor entertaining! i filled this up with our extras from Memorial Day celebrations and put them next to some pretty straws…effortless AND useful too!
maple blueberry mini cupcake recipe!
if you’re feeling like donning the apron for a homemade treat you’ll absolutely LOVE these delicious bites! your guests will rave and if i can make them…you can too! these are so perfect for Fourth of July holiday celebrations big OR small and the fresh combo of blueberry, lemon and maple just tastes like summer!
grab the printable recipe…
- 1 1/2 sticks butter softened
- 3 cups confectioners sugar
- pinch salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 1 teaspoon Lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons milk
- fresh blueberries for garnishing
- maple syrup for drizzling
- For the cupcakes: whisk the flour and salt in a bowl.
- Beat the softened butter in a separate bowl with a mixer on medium-high until smooth.
- Add sugar and beat until creamy. Add 2 eggs one at a time then the vanilla and maple extract.
- Beat in the flour mixture in three batches on low speed, alternating with the milk until just combined.
- Divide the batter among muffin cups and bake in a pre-heated 350 degree oven for 20-25 minutes for full-sized cupcakes or 12-18 minutes for mini cupcakes or until tops spring back. Remove onto wire rack to cool completely.
- Beat the butter, confectioners sugar, and salt in a mixer on medium speed until just combined.
- Add the vanilla and lemon zest and beat until creamy, 3 minutes.
- Beat in the milk until fluffy, about 1 minute.
- Frost the maple cupcakes and top with blueberries and drizzle with maple syrup
nautical fun for the holiday!
this little soiree from a few years ago is still full of festive inspiration…
the grab-and-go food table looks great but is filled with the easiest goodies like mini cups of potato salad served in votive holders shaped like little flower pots…
and bake cups holding mini seafood salad sliders make the grocery store deli salad look like specialty sandwiches!
a cookie cutter makes easy work of transforming watermelon slices…
to match the nautical inspired cookies on the dessert table…
check out all the fun in the full blog post HERE!
easy 4th of July snacks!
when my boys were younger i would often set up fun snacks when their friends came over! this star spangled table is was so easy to decorate by simply taping stars to the front!
krispie treats are always popular with the kiddos…and its so easy to cut them into shapes! these stacks of stars are skewered with a cheerful pinwheel & gummy candy!
make a healthy glass of water look extra fun by adding fruit and a festive straw!
and this idea doesn’t get any easier…just tape a shiny star to a box of cracker jacks!
read more about this snack table HERE!
craft a firecracker!
this DIY project is pretty simple to make and if you’ve got crafty kids, you can get the whole family involved! customize the patterns in this decoupage project with wrapping paper and napkins that match your home decor or party!
see the full tutorial HERE!
popping good fun!
this popcorn cart from last year was not only a hit with my family but it’s also filled with super easy purchased snacks…AND decorated with a free printable!
a cake stand adorned with strips of fabric holds a favorite snack cake!
and cupcakes topped with pop rock candies add some fireworks for the tongue! a simple way to top a cake with some snap-crackling fun for the holiday!
you can see the full post HERE!
and get the download for the banner HERE!
I hope you enjoyed this little roundup of Fourth of July fun!
Cheers to last-minute holiday ideas!
pin for later~
Anonymous
July 2
Wow!! So much 4th of July inspiration!!! Amazing ideas!!!!
Lori
July 2
Oh my goodness thank you! I do love easy things that still look great…and last-minute too! Happy Holiday!!
Jennifer
July 2
The 4th of July is one of my favorite holidays and these ideas are so much fun! I especially love the lobster watermelons! Too cute and a fun spin on patriotic / nautical decor!
Lori
July 2
Thanks my friend! I really appreciate it! I’m hoping I can squeeze in some of those ideas again this year!! fingers crossed! Happy Holiday week!!
pressprintparty
July 3
I love how you use your cookie cutters on fruit! Fabulous set up yet again. Putting mini sandwiches in cupcake wrappers is pure genius!
Lori
July 5
Aww, thanks so much! I think I’m a little obsessed with cupcake & treat cups! 🙂
Holly Hulke
July 3
There are so many fun ideas here! I always forget that the lobster theme would work so well for the 4th!!
Lori
July 5
Right? I love nautical themes and they’re often in the same patriotic colors!! Thanks so much Holly!
Susan @SugarPartiesLA
July 30
Such cute ideas ! Love those napkins in the jar
Lori
July 30
Thank you! It’s a great way to keep them dry and from blowing away! 🙂